PEABODY — High school football is back, sort of. Over 30 high schools from around the area will compete in the East Regional portion of the Northeast 7v7 tournament at Bishop Fenwick on July 23.
After the July 23 games are finished, East Regional representatives will advance to the New England championship on July 28 at Bishop Fenwick to compete against other regions.
To many coaches around the area, like Lynn Tech’s Head Coach James Runner, the seven-on-seven games are a genuinely beneficial part of the offseason.
“It is really beneficial. We take full advantage of it. One thing you are majorly able to work out is concepts between your quarterbacks and wide receivers and get down route recognition. You got to be as consistent as possible offensively,” said Runner.
He added, “It helps out big time defensively because kids get a chance to get out there, get their coverages, play one on ones, play deep coverages trying to stop the pass. So it is definitely worth the opportunity that we get when we do it.”
The tournaments will focus exclusively on the passing game due to the rules and be officiated by high school officials. There are no running plays or double passes, and there will be a center snapping the ball, which must be a player who cannot block.
Quarterbacks only have four seconds per play to get a pass off, or the play will be whistled dead, and the offense begins from the 40-yard line with three downs to get a first down. First downs are gained at the 25-yard line, 10-yard line, or via penalty.
Scoring is just like a regular football game. However, there is no kicking. In pool play, teams must go for a conversion either from the 5-yard line for one point or from the 10 for two points.
On defense, players cannot rush past the line of scrimmage until after the pass is thrown. Defenders are also tasked with “tackling” players, which in this case means tagging the ball carrier with one hand.
Coverage-wise, defenders must give pass catchers a 2-yard cushion, a point of emphasis to reduce contact. They also must try and play the ball; defenders are not allowed to play through a wide receiver and hit them as the ball comes in.
Although they have different rules, these tournament games can give teams a leg up in preparation for the football season grind, especially with decreased practice time allotted for programs.
“It is good. It gets the kids’ motors running again. I mean, football season is a long wear and tear season, but if you can get the kids started up in the earlier part of the summertime leading into the beginning of fall, it is beneficial,” said Runner.
“I think it is huge, especially with the timing that we get from the MIAA. I think it is important you get as few moments and opportunities as you can to do your thing and get your kids out there on the field,” he said.
